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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Taft give Tommy Lawson's boy to cool him off?

2. What advise from Virginia regarding the car repair does Taft refuse in Chapter 10?

3. What is Carl's excuse for the cocaine in Chapter 9?

4. Why is Carl particularly angry about having his stash taken in Chapter 8?

5. What did Carl hit in his crash?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Taft die in Chapter 12?

2. Describe John and Fay's interaction in Chapter 7.

3. How does Marion's friend, the doctor, help John in Chapter 11?

4. Why is John deeply gladdened by his morning with Marion and Franklin in Chapter 11?

5. What is John's catharsis at the end of Taft?

6. How does Carl explain his arrest in Chapter 9?

7. When does Fay surprise Taft in Chapter 10?

8. How is John shot in Chapter 11?

9. Describe Taft's interaction with Tommy Lawson's son in Chapter 10?

10. What confrontation do John and Carl have in Chapter 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Romance in the novel is both a powerful force between characters and also one that is overcome by other types of love. Write an essay about the way romance is portrayed in "Taft". How does John Nickel fall in love with women in different and abandoned way? How do these romances fall apart? Discuss the motivations John has to leave the women that win his heart. What is more important to him in life?

Essay Topic 2

The novel of "Taft" has a major character's death at the center of its narrative, and the ramifications of this death serve as a dire warning to the other characters. Write an essay about death and the fear of death in "Taft". How does Taft's death ripple through the narrative of the novel? How does its effect confirm John's fears about Franklin? What does he worry will happen if he disappears from his son's life?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout much of Ann Patchett's "Taft", John Nickel has to choose between his individual desires and his duty to family. Write a three-part essay about this continuous struggle, focusing on three moments when it became apparent to him:

Part 1) When John Nickel first met Marion Woodmoore, what did he want out of life? Discuss how these personal objectives lead to his leaving of Marion in her most vulnerable time. What has to occur in John's life before he can accept his responsibilities?

Part 2) Discuss John's sense of duty to Carl Taft. At what point does John determine he needs to protect Carl, and what is his logic? What trajectory does this take? How does John increasingly put himself in danger in protecting the boy?

Part 3) What sacrifice does Mrs. Woodmoore ask John Nickel to make in the final chapter of the novel? Why is this sacrifice difficult and why is it necessary? What indication is there at the end of Taft that John will make the sacrifice?

(see the answer keys)

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